Storm Forces School Closings

NORTH ADAMS - A icy storm bearing down on the county lead to closings and early dismissals for schools across the Berkshires.

North Adams Public Schools will dismiss students at 11:30; McCann students will be sent home at 11:15 and its job shadow program has been canceled for today. Clarksburg Elementary is closing at 11:30 and Southern Vermont College at noon.

Saturday's Family Day in Pittsfield has been postponed until Saturday, Feb. 23, because of inclement weather and recent warm temperatures. According to Pittsfield officials and the Pittsfield Winter Sports Committee it will occur at the same time and place on Feb. 23: from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration for activities from 10 to noon at the Controy Pavilion at Burbank Park.

The mix of snow and sleet is expected to have a major effect throughout the day into tomorrow, according to weather reports from WTEN News10 in Albany, N.Y.

The storm is tracking out of the Midwest, which has suffered from heavy snow and cold over the past week.

Snow will fall first beginning in the late morning, then turn to freezing rain by early afternoon with accumulations of up to a 1/4 inch of ice.

The National Weather Service has posted a winter storm warning in affect from 9 this morning to 1 a.m. on Saturday, and a hazardous weather outlook for the Berkshires and Southern Vermont.

Conditions "are expected to deteriorate" as freezing rain moves into the region, according to the Weather Service. Gusty winds up to 37 mph are expected along with the precipitation.

News10 meteorologist Steve Caporizzo said last night that most of the region will see sleet and rain by 2 or 3 p.m., with more rain to the south of the Capital District. Flurries are possible on Saturday morning.

Further north, significant ice buildup and high winds could down lines and trees, causing power outages.

Check back with iBerkshires throughout the day for updates; send cancellation information to info@iberkshires.com.

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